Friday Flotsam

By Bev Weidner on May 10, 2019 in Friday Flotsam

FFFFFFFFFFFFFFrah rah ree ree roo roo day. I mean day!

Okay.

I decided that one of my least favorite things in life is the sound of an electrician or plumber. Like, the noises they make from a room away. It gives me such anxiety! I need to be AWAY from it all, I’ve decided.

You know what I’m talking about, the grunts and exasperated sighs every few seconds because a wrench won’t work the the pipe’s too clogged or a cockroach is walking over his face.

I have to remind myself that when I hear those noises of annoyance, not to take it so personally. They wanted this job. This is their wheelhouse. Those sounds mean money to them. They’re working hard and loving this problem-solving-life-opportunity and should I just apologize for the clogged pipe and give them a taco?!

An no matter what, I feel like they all hate me. They hate me and my face and my clogged pipe and I never should have hired them in the first place.

But it’s like, don’t make those noises! My psyche can’t deal with it, and here in about 15 seconds I’mon’ coming runnin’ in with a checkbook, apologizing for the inconvenience all, “NEVER MIND I’M SURE AARON CAN FIGURE IT OUT ON SOME TUTORIAL ON YOUTUBE YOU HAVE A GOOD DAY OKAY OMG SORRY.”

Don’t tell me I’m alone in this.

You guys, I need help.

Wait, why are you looking at me like that?

We head to Oregon in three weeks, and I need to start thinking about my Oregonian fashion! (duh) This is the reality – it’s an outdoorsy state. And I’m not exactly known for my hiking books, plaid flannel or my love of insects.

I need you to tell me the outdoor essentials to bring!

Backpacks. Yep.

Chacos – found them in the back of my closet!

Rainboots, coat and umbrella – got it.

A tie dye canteen?

Stop shaving my legs until they match my wool socks in both appearance and texture?

Watch Wild with Reese Witherspoon? I mean after that, I should be good to go.

Should I grow a beard?

My main thing is shoes. I need some chill, cute hiking-ish shoes. Not that I plan on becoming MOUNTAIN WOMAN OF THE TWIGS, but we will be sprinkling in some earthy activities here and there, beyond the wineries and farmer’s markets and any summer festival I CAN FIND. (my fist is in the air right now.)

Give me your wilderness recommendations!

I mean, I already drive a Subaru, so I’m basically halfway there.

I feel like there are currently two camps of human beings in this world. And I’m definitely in the minority camp here.

I’m going to be as nice as possible with this next sentence because I respect you all and your life decisions and YOU DO YOU and it’s all good and let’s have a pillow fight.

But…

Who here wishes Game of Thrones would straight up evaporate and disappear forever?

I mean, it’s not like I HATE dragons. Elliot and Puff are totally cool.

But like . . . no. I do not get it. I am perfectly content never seeing a single episode and being made fun of and living life GOT-free. Ahhhhhh, refill my rosé and let’s watch When Harry Met Sally! …again.

Please tell me I’m not alone in this.

(I just lost 85% of my followers just now.)

Do you call it a white button up? Or a white button down?

“Here, let me just put on my white button up shirt and I’ll be ready.”

“Here, let me just put on my white button down shirt and I’ll be ready.”

Are they both right?!

These are the things I think about at night and all the time.

Weekend plans?!

Why is the earth so cold right now? IT IS MAAAAAAAY. Mama Nay Nay needs her head checked. It’s only gonna be in the 60s this Mother’s Day weekend and I’m trying to accept it.

Oh! I’ll be finishing Daisy Jones and the Six and blabbing about that super soon. And finally taking photos of our finished patio to post in a couple of weeks!

That’s basically it. And Mother’s Day rosé. LAWTS. OF. THAT.

Tell me what you’re having for dinner.

button up or button down, Game of Thrones, Oregon fashion, plumber noises

Vegetarian Meatballs with Grilled Bread

How I Get My Tighter Curls. AKA: My Attempt to Look Like Meg Ryan.

43 Responses to Friday Flotsam

Amanda May 10, 2019 at 8:23 am #

I am so excited for “our” Oregon adventure! And it’s button down. Always.
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- sarah May 13, 2019 at 1:13 pm #
  
  A BIG no thank you on GOT! I wasn’t quite sure what that meant so you can see I’m a fan. I do not get it and don’t ever plan to try to or watch. You are not alone!
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  - Kirsten May 13, 2019 at 11:06 pm #
    
    Was introduced to episode one and ex-nay. Glad I’m not alone. GOT what????
    Reply
Mountaincat May 10, 2019 at 8:24 am #

We made a bunch of buffalo chicken legs the other day. We are going to de-meat them (that sounds terrible), and make a big ol' salad with spicy chicken in it!
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- Dj May 11, 2019 at 12:16 pm #
  
  I concur with your GOT’s opinion. Keens for the win. And it’s “button down”. Happy Mother’s Day!
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Dee May 10, 2019 at 8:29 am #

Never seen an episode of GOT, don't have any desire to. OTOH, I waited until after the whole world had seen Breaking Bad, then against my better judgment, tried it and OMYGOODNESS, it was awesome, in a horrible way, of course, but still awesome. So who knows, GOT could still be in my future? It's button down. Yes, you should grow a beard.
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Nikki May 10, 2019 at 8:40 am #

PMWer here... do t worry about dressing “wilderness-y....you’ll stick out as a “watches portlandia once” ? no but really, aside from the hipsters, mist people here seem to dress pretty typical as everywhere else... if you aren’t planning any extensive hikes a sturdy pair of sneaks should be fine. Summer gets hot!
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Nikki May 10, 2019 at 8:42 am #

PNWer here... do t worry about dressing “wilderness-y....you’ll stick out as a “watches portlandia once” ? no but really, aside from the hipsters, mist people here seem to dress pretty typical as everywhere else... if you aren’t planning any extensive hikes a sturdy pair of sneaks should be fine. Summer gets hot!
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Rebekah S May 10, 2019 at 8:49 am #

Never have watched GOT and don't really care. You aren't alone in that. We just moved and I'm waiting to see your patio for inspiration before I start working on ours. Your taste is flawless. :) I've just been collecting a bunch of potted plants while I wait. lol
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- Rebekah S May 10, 2019 at 8:51 am #
  
  Also, made your Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta for supper last night and all four children went back for seconds. MIRACLE. And it's button-up
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  - Denita May 14, 2019 at 11:32 am #
    
    GOT my college bf read the books, he was totally into them so I had a knowledge of it before it was cool...also knew it wasn’t something I would get into...I’m ok not being that kind of cool, I guess. I always button from bottom to top so it should be a button up but pretty sure when I get beyond saying white shirt it is a white button down shirt.
    Reply
Stephanie May 10, 2019 at 8:49 am #

I hate GOT with every fiber of my being and I cannot roll my eyes enough when I hear people talk about it. I am so excited it's almost over.
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Grace May 10, 2019 at 8:55 am #

Button downs and button ups are different! Small detail that sets them apart is whether or not there are buttons on the collar to “button down” the collar like for men’s formal wear. Most women’s collared blouses would be button ups. Also I’m with you on GOT. Not interested. I just watched my first episode this season because my partner was having friends over to watch it and I felt rude locking myself in the bedroom.
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Nancy May 10, 2019 at 9:03 am #

I only worry when the plumber, electrician says something like "Uh Oh...." and that's happened to me too! And to this day, that problem has not been fixed. I'm with you on GOT; I could care less! But I did love that song, Puff, The Magic Dragon. Is that what you were referencing? I have some ideas about what to do in Oregon but they're not legal in the state where I live so I will keep my lips zipped :) Happy Mother's Day!
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- Bev Weidner May 10, 2019 at 9:58 am #
  
  You got it, girl! Puff the Magic Dragon. :) And um, I thiiiink I know what you're referring to. We've already noticed a distillery four blocks from our house. Not that we'll visit! No way. Noooot at all. Nope. Nerp. Wait, what?
  Reply
- Susan May 11, 2019 at 1:54 pm #
  
  Thanks to Grace above who took the shirt question and got it exactly right. Hard no to GOT. Just don't get it, but I'm old, so....... Also, because I'm old, I don't get Chrissy Teigen and don't like Nutella even though I love chocolate and like hazelnuts. Our daughter lives in Oregon and I just wear my California usual when we go there but I take layers because summer days there can be cool, then warm, sometimes HOT, then cool/cold later. Sprinkles can happen. You just never know. I have been known to wear plaid, flannel and even plaid flannel (I know!) but usually as an over-shirt, light jacket kind of layer. I agree that a pair of good running shoes could work instead of investing in hiking shoes/boots. Denim shorts, capri or ankle always work in Oregon, paired with T's, tanks, over-shirts (button up and/or down). The locals dress casual comfy I've noticed. Downtown Portland can get just a little bit fancier, but you'll see jeans just about everywhere. I know you will do the wine thing, hopefully the beer thing, farmer's markets, find good pizza, and eat all the cheese but please spend SO much time on the Oregon beaches. They are wild, beautiful, awe inspiring, and fun. They can be windy but the good news is that there are lots of kite stores along the coast and your kids would probably love that.
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Carrie May 10, 2019 at 9:26 am #

As a non-native living in Portland, you hear that locals don't use umbrellas. Most of the time it isn't raining hard enough to need one anyways. But do you, girl! My main takeaway for fitting in is never honking. People here just don't do it.
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- Bev Weidner May 10, 2019 at 9:56 am #
  
  OMG I have such an opinion about honking! I NEVER honk. Nat's always like, "Mommy, honk!" and I'm like, "NO WAY. It sends a message! And my neurosis is way too paranoid for that." Non honker here. :)
  Reply
- Heather May 13, 2019 at 4:00 pm #
  
  I read the word “umbrella” and my reaction was “tourist” haha!
  Reply
Dani May 10, 2019 at 9:33 am #

Don't forget, Oregon is home to Nike so sneakers of any sort will do you just fine :)
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Hadar May 10, 2019 at 9:52 am #

I am a pro-When Harry Met Sally, non-GOT watching follower, and I appreciate your sentiments. My husband loves it, and the finale is on my bday weekend and he's already agreed to watch it later in the week :) guess he really loves me! he really really does!
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Kaye Berman May 10, 2019 at 10:03 am #

Have only watched the first 10 minutes of GOT and my husband said 'turn it off' because someone got beheaded. So...never watched again. Don't feel like I'm missing out. I say grow out your UNDERARM hair!!!!! DO IT! (I'm so old (56) that mine has kinda stopped growing!) Anti-honker here too! HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY! Can't wait for your Oregon trip and photos. Last year's trip was mah-velous!
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CJ | A Well-Read Tart May 10, 2019 at 10:29 am #

I'm actually making your Tandoori Chicken recipe for dinner tonight! If I can ever get my lazy butt off the couch and make the yogurt-and-spice marinade. Which, I know, takes, like, 2 seconds, but meeeeh there is so much else to do today! I'll get to it, though. Even though it's chilly here and possibly drizzly, I plan to shove my husband outside to grill the chicken once he gets home from work. But, yes, I am also over the cold May weather. I miss sunlight. And warmth. And keeping my windows open overnight. And a low heating bill. It's supposed to be that wonderfully mild time of year between a sky-high heating bill and a sky-high AC bill, and that's just not happening yet in my house...
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Liz May 10, 2019 at 12:04 pm #

I think about this all the time also, and I call them "button downs." I don't know if that's correct, but it's what I say. I start at the top button of the shirt and button down(wards), right? Make sense?
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Erin May 10, 2019 at 12:24 pm #

Ok, there is a lot to unravel here! You are bonkers about your fear of Handymans...Girl, get a grip! Secondly, I am 100% with you on GOT. I also didn't Harry Potter, blasphemy! Oregon: think comfy comfy comfy, and waterproof. Ain't no fashion show going on in that state! That is part of what makes it so wonderfully relaxing.
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- Bev Weidner May 10, 2019 at 1:26 pm #
  
  Oh it's not a fear! It's GUILT. Me worrying that they're hating the job I hired them for. You know, normal. :)
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Mimi May 10, 2019 at 1:21 pm #

I don’t get game of thrones either! I once watched the very first episode and was bored, didn’t even finish it. I’m sure I could possibly get into it if I tried but I don’t care to! I’m jealous of your Oregon plans! I say button down shirt. Haha!
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Amanda May 10, 2019 at 2:56 pm #

You’re missing out!! GOT is fab!!! Yes lotsa blood and sex!! Its soooo good! GOT fan forevef!!
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Tracy May 10, 2019 at 3:51 pm #

I agree 100% with you on GOT. I just don't get the appeal and have zero interest! I've always said button down, but it seems like most people say button up! Confuses me! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on Daisy!
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Kara May 10, 2019 at 5:43 pm #

My husband found it too confusing to decide so he just calls them “Button Shirts”. Eliminating the up/down.
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Sandra May 10, 2019 at 8:02 pm #

I think “button down” refers to a button down collar, and “button up” refers to a shirt that has to be buttoned up vs. one that has no front opening and has to be pulled over the head. That’s always been my assumption, right or wrong!
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Meredith Dempsey May 10, 2019 at 8:22 pm #

I do love Game of Thrones, guilty! BUT I’ve read all of the books which are much more interesting and nuanced. Unfortunately the show has become a bit of a spectacle but I’m planning to reread the books to help me get over it #nerd ? ?
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Aaron (not your husband) May 10, 2019 at 8:45 pm #

Adios, GoT. Never watched ya, never will. Button down! Subaru = you need nothing else for Oregon.
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- Emily M May 11, 2019 at 10:01 am #
  
  Your thoughts on GoT just further my belief that we are long lost soul sisters. Since we do share the same birthday and all. I’d probably enjoy the books, but I’m not even doing that now! Bring on “When Harry Met Sally” and “You’ve Got Mail” any day of the week. I love that almost everyone who commented from your “tribe” agrees! I think I’ve used button up and button down both, but most often say down. I dont’ really ever wear one since i’m too busty for them, and can’t stand the buttons pulling! Like everyone else, I can’t wait for your Oregon adventures. I have no tips... never been, but it’s on the list.
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Nicole May 11, 2019 at 10:30 am #

Birkenstocks!!!!
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Anne Weber-Falk May 11, 2019 at 2:19 pm #

I call it a white blouse
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Liz May 12, 2019 at 5:08 pm #

My sister loves GOT and made me watch first episode - boring!!! Made her turn it off 30 minutes in and we watched Steel Magnolias for the zillioninth time instead : )
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Sarah May 13, 2019 at 11:29 am #

YES to all of this!! Definitely button down and omg yes please GOT go away forever
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Hannah May 13, 2019 at 2:20 pm #

Button UP, always. Oregonian here: very casual state, almost too casual. Ethical, sustainable clothing lovers, quality shoes- I think you’re there! Vivo barefoot has some awesome hiking shoes for women, light and not too bulky, buuut you’d do just fine with your sneakers. NO to umbrellas, just a good raincoat just in case, by unless you’re coastal, it shouldn’t rain. Light sweaters a must bc nights don’t stay warm warm; but days are warm into hot. Hate GOT. It’s.just.too.much. Have fun in Oregon. The willamette valley is lovely - vineyards galore and beautiful, and a nice get away from the Portland craze and weird.
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Heather May 13, 2019 at 4:22 pm #

Expect a wide range of weather in Manzanita. Probably drizzly mornings and sunny-isn afternoons, or vice versa. The coast rarely gets truly hot in June. Like others said, Oregon is casual. There’s a great bakery/cafe in Mazanita, wish I remembered the name, we had a great breakfast and coffee there.
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Nicole May 13, 2019 at 6:50 pm #

I understand re GoT. My partner loves it. I’ve sat through the last two seasons with him (it used to come on quite late, so I’d go to bed). I do not understand it. What is the point of it? Massive plot holes, each episode seems themed (zombie week, Days of Our Lives week, etc), strong characters suddenly become weak and some really awful acting. Episode five was tipped to be huge but why? No plot twists, just lots of people being killed. Again. Like every week
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Debi May 13, 2019 at 8:11 pm #

I love my blundstone original 500 boots. Great for the beach and wet sidewalks.
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Ranay May 13, 2019 at 9:35 pm #

Ohhh no on the umbrella. If you are trying to blend in you need just a rain coat, usually a brightish color- no umbrella! Try some keens for shoes or some trail running shoes.
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